
"Starting in September 2025, clubs in the program will compete in regular season games, regional tournaments, and various MLS NEXT national events as well as coaching development and education programs, talent identification, and high-performance opportunities. The addition of a new tier to MLS NEXT reflects Major League Soccer’s continued dedication to growing the game at the youth level,” said MLS NEXT technical director Luis Robles. “We are excited to deepen the talent pool and welcome more players and coaches as we work with them to develop the next generation of talent who will impact the professional game and national teams.
In the expanded tier of MLS NEXT, clubs will participate in one of eight regional tournaments each season in addition to the option for eligible age groups to attend MLS NEXT Fest in December. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at MLS NEXT Cup later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer. ". To read further about MLS NEXT Academy, go to this link here
If you have further questions or would like a tryout, please contact our MLS NEXT Director, Luis Satorra, by emailing lsatorra@triangleunited.org
List of Services
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How are MLS NEXT Academy Teams Formed?List Item 1
Teams are formed through a variety of ways. Throughout the year the club will be identifying players we feel are MLS NEXT Academy level. Teams will also be formed through Tryout Invites as well as through Open Tryouts.
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How Many MLS NEXT Academy Teams do we Have?List Item 2
For the 2026-2027 season, we will have 6 MLS NEXT Academy teams. We will have the 13U - 19U teams.
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Who is the Director for MLS NEXT Academy?List Item 3
Luis Satorra is the MLS NEXT Homegrown and MLS NEXT Academy Director and will oversee the entire program on the field. He will be assisted by staff coaches from within the club.
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When does the MLS NEXT Academy Season take place?List Item 4
The MLS NEXT Academy Season will be played from August - May for the 13U and 14U teams. For the 15U-19U teams, mainly from December - May. There may be a game or two during our HS sesaon, but the majority of games will take place when kids are not in HS.
List of Services
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How Many Times a Week do They Train?List Item 1
Players in this program will train 3x per week. The 13U and 14U teams will train August - May, while the 15U-19U teams will train from late November - May.
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Is there GK Training for this Program?List Item 2
Goalkeepers will train 1x a week with a TU GK trainer. Typically there will be 1x/week solely focused on the GK and their technique.
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What Teams do we Play?List Item 3
For the 2025-2026 season, we will play the following clubs. Carolina Core (NC), Carolina Velocity (NC), Charlotte Independence (NC), Charleston Soccer Club (SC),Fox Soccer Academy (NC), Queen City Mutiny (NC), James Island Youth (SC), Tormenta FC (GA), and Wake FC (NC).
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Can players play high school?List Item 4
Yes. Players are eligible to play high school as well as MLS NEXT Academy. The majority of games and training will take place when the players are not in HS.





